Benzimidazole derivatives and processes for preparing the same



BENZIIVIIDAZOLE DERIVATIVES AND 'PROC- ESSES FOR PREPARING THE SAME Clilford H. Shunk. Westfield, and Karl A. Folkers, Plainfield, NJ., assignors to Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ., a corporation of New Jersey 7 No Drawing. Application November 23, 1956 Serial No. 623,766

25 Claims. or. 260-2115) This application is a continuation in partof" our copending application Serial 1 10;422:562 ,filed April 12; 1954, abandoned as of June 3", 1957 by non-response to outstanding otlicial action. 5

This invention relatesto the preparation of the new chemical compounds, 4,5,6 (5,6,7) trihalo 1 D'-1'ibofuranosylbenzimidazole, to acidxsal'ts, andtowater soluble esters thereof. It is also concerned with: preparation of the novel chemical compounds produced as intermediates in the synthesis of 4,5',6-( '5,6,7 )"-trihalo-1 D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole.

Certain compounds of this invention possess marked and effective anti-viral activity against Influenza B virus. For example, 4,5,6-(5,6,7) trichloro-l-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole has seven hundred to eighthundred times the inhibitory action of benzimidazole against Influenza B virus when tested in accordance with the method later described. A number of substituted benzirnidazoles outside the scope of this invention have?- also been tested for activity against" Influenza B virus and have been found to have little inhibitory activity. a

No representation is made herein as to the suitability or unsuitability of the compounds of this invention for the-treatment'ofhumans.

The compositions of this invention are prepared by reducing 1,2,3 trihal0 4,S-dinitrobenzene to form 1,2,3- trihalo-4',5-diaminobenzene having the following formula:

wherein X represents a halogen atom, which is in turn treated witli a mercuric halide to produce the new l-halomercuri-4 ,5",6'-(5,6,7)-triha1obenzimidazole, having the following formula:

United 2,935,508 Patented May 3, 1960 wherein X and X represent halogen atoms and- X and X need not be the same halogen atoms.

The 1-halomercuri-4,5,6-(5,6,7) trihalobenzimidazole is next reacted with a 1halo-2,3,S-triaoyl-D-ribofuranose having the formula wherein X represents achlorine or bromine atom and R represents an acyl' radical. The new compound formed in this reaction is 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trihalo-l (triacyl-D-ribofuranosyl) -benz'imidazole, and has the formula The 4,5,6-( 5,6,7 -trihalo-1- (triacyl-D-ribofuranosyl) benzirnidazole is hydrolyzed to form the 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-

trihalo-1-D ribofuranosylbenzimidazole, which is a new compound and has'the formula The 4,5,6 (5,6,7) trihalo l D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole acid salts are prepared by reacting 4,5,6-(5,6,7)- trihalo-1-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole with an acid in aqueous or alcoholic solution. The salt may be isolated by removal of solvent under reduced pressure. Acid salts, such as the 4,5,6- 5,6,7)-trihalo-l-D ribofuranosylbenzimidazole hydrochloride, 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-tfihalo-1-D- ribofuranosylbenzimidazole hydrobromide, 4,5,6-(5,6,7)- trihalo-1-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole sulfate, 4,5,6- (-5,6,7) -trihalo-1-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole citrate and 4,5 ,6-( 5,6,7 -trihalo-l-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole acetate, may be prepared in this manner.

In addition to the acid salts, water soluble esters such as the phosphate and tricarballylate of these novel 4,5,6- (5,6,T7)-triha1o-l D-ribofuranosylbenzirnidazoles may be prepared by reacting the parent compound with a suitable esterifying agent. Pyrophosphoric acid or phosphorous .oxychloride pretreated with one molar equivalent of hydrochloric acid. 'Mossy tin is added to the suspension and 1,2,3-trichloro-4,5-diaminobenzene produced by heatl'ing' at from 50-100 C. for from 15 minutes to Z'ho'u'rs.

The 1,2,3-trichloro-4,S-diaminObenZefie is reacted with formic acid and hydrochloric acid to form 4,5,6-trichloi0- 'drous conditions are preferred for this reaction.

benzimidazole. The free base is recovered by neutraliza tion of the mineral acid with a base and crystallization.

The 4,5,6-trichlorobenzimidazole is next reacted with mercuric chloride in an inert solvent in the presence of an alkali metal base or alkaline earth metal base to form 1-ehloromercuri-4,5,6-trichlorobenzimidazole. It has been found that the time and temperature of the reaction are not critical, although elevated temperatures accelerate the reaction. Any inert liquid medium in which the reactants are soluble but the reaction product is insoluble may be utilized as a medium in the reaction of 4,5,6- trichlorobenzimidazole and mercuric chloride. Water or lower alkanols, for example, ethanol, propanol, butanol, and amyl alcohol, may be used. Suitable alkali metal bases or alkaline earth metal bases which may be employed in the process include sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and the like. It is preferred to use about one equivalent of base to bind the free acid liberated in the reaction.

The l-chloromercuri 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trichlorobenzimidazole is then reacted with 1-halo-2,3,S-triacyl-D-ribofuranose in the presence of a solvent, and 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trichloro-l-(triacyl-D-ribofuranosyl) benzimidazole recovered. Compounds such as l-chloro-2,3,5-triacetyl-D-ribo furanose, 1 bromo 2,3,5 triacetyl D ribofuranose, 1-chloro-2,3,S-tripropionyl-D-ribofuranose, 1-chloro-2,3,5- tributyryl-D-ribofuranose, 1-bromo-2,3,5-tribenzoyl-D- ribofuranose or 1 chloro 2,3,5 tribenzoyl D ribofuranose may be employed. Examples of suitable solvents for the reaction are benzene, toluene and xylene. Xylene is the preferred solvent for' the reaction since the reflux temperature of xylene provides a convenient reaction temperature.

To produce the 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trichloro-1-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole, the 4,5,6 (5,6,7) trichloro 1 (triacyl-D-ribofuranosyl)-benzimidazole is hydrolyzed. The hydrolysis may be carried out in either an alkaline or acid medium. In accordance with the preferred procedure, 4,5,6 (5,6,7) trichloro 1 (triacyl D ribofuranosyl)-benzimidazole is hydrolyzed with methyl alcohol in the presence of anhydrous ammonia. Anhymonia is also preferred since it is readily removed from the reaction mixture. Lower alkanols, such as methanol, ethanol, propanol and isopropanol, may be employed as solvents. If desired, acid hydrolysis may be conducted employing aqueous alcoholic solutions containing a hydrohalic acid.

The 4,5,6 (5,6,7) trichloro 1 D ribofuranosylbenzimidazole acid salts are prepared by reacting 4,5,6- (5,6,7)-trichloro-1-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole with an acid in aqueous or alcoholic solution. The salt may be isolated by removal of solvent under reduced pressure.

4,5,6 (5,6,7) trichloro 1 D ribofuranosylbenzimidazole and closely related compounds were tested for antiviral activity against Influenza B virus as follows:

Groups of six chorio-allantoic membranes, the membrane from an embryonated egg which serves as a source of living cells, were quartered and each quarter placed in a separate tube containing 0.9 ml. of a nutrient fluid comprising saline, glucose and salts. Each of these tubes was inoculated with Lee Influenza B virus diluted ten thousand times in a similar nutrient fluid, 0.1 ml. of the virus solution per tube. To each group of six inoculated tubes was added one of the compounds listed in Table I below. After thirty-six hours, hemagglutination titrations were carried out on the individual samples using an 0.25% concentration of chicken erythrocytes in solution. The geometric mean titer of each group was then computed.

The concentration of each benzimidazole derivative necessary to give 75% inhibition of viral multiplication was determined. The comparative activity of benz imidazole derivatives is given below.

4. The number of the position of the substituents in each of the compounds as given in the table is indicated in the following formula:

5,6 dichloro-2-methyl-l-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole 15.0 4,5,6 (5,6,7) trichloro l-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole 700-800 The following examples are given by way of illustration and not of limitation.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of 1,2,3-trichloro-4,5-diaminobenzene or NO; 01 NE 01 N01 01 NH| Ten grams (0.037 mole) of 1,2,3-trichloro-4,5-dinitrobenzene was suspended in 120 ml. of concentrated hydrochloric acid and heated on a steam bath. Mossy tin (15 g.) was added in small pieces with frequent shaking. Some concentrated hydrochloric acid was added from time to time to rinse down the condenser. After all the tin was added, the mixture was heated on a steam bath for one-half hour with frequent shaking. The reaction mixture was diluted with about 1400 ml. of water and heated until solution was almost complete. To the mixture was added activated charcoal and the mixture filtered. The filtrate was cooled, whereupon a colorless precipitate formed. With cooling the mixture was made strongly alkaline using 30% sodium hydroxide solution. The colorless precipitate, 1,2,3-trichloro-4,5- diaminobenzene which formed was collected on a funnel and washed well with water. The precipitate was dissolved in about 300 ml. of ether, dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure. There was obtained 6.0 g. of 1,2,3-trichloro-4,5- diaminobenzene, M.P. -112 C.

In a similar manner other halogen atoms can be substituted for 1,2,3-trichloro-4,5-dinitrobenzene as the starting material in the above procedure. For example 1,2,3- tribromo-4,S-dinitrobenzene, l,2-dichloro-3-bromo-4,5-dinitrobenzene, 1,2 dibromo 3 chloro 4,5 dinitrobenzene, 1,3-dichloro-2-bromo-4,S-dinitrobenzene, 1,2,3-triiodo-4,5-dinitrobenzene, or 1,2-dichloro-3-iodo-4,5-dinitrobenzene may be employed in this procedure to form the corresponding l,2,3-tribromo-4,5-diaminobenzene, 1,2-dichloro-3-bromo-4,5-diaminobenzene, 1,2-dib1'omo-3-chloro-4,5-diaminobenzene, l,3-dichloro-2-bromo-4,5-diaminobenzene, 1,2,3-tri-iodo-4,5-diaminobenzene, and 1,2-dichloro-3-iodo-4,5-diaminobenzene.

spam-boa Preparation of 4,5,6trichlorobenzimidazole .A mixture of 11.9 grams (0.056 mole) of 1,2,3-trich1oro-4,5-diaminohenzene, 7.74 g. (0.168 mole) of 9,8100% formic acid in 480 ml. of 4 N hydrochloric ,acid was refluxed with good stirring for two and. one- The mixture was then cooled and made '15 quarter hours. just 'basic with concentrated ammonium hydroxide. The colored solid which appeared wascollected and washed with water. lDried in vacuo .over potassium hydroxide, it weighed 12.96 g M.P. 230 .C. with softening at 200 C. It Was'then dissolved on the steam bath in a mixture of 35 ml. 2.5 'N hydrochloric acid and 500 ml. of water, treated with activated charcoal and filtered. This charcoaling procedure Wasrepeated three times until the filtrate was colorless. The filtrate was cooled and made just basic with 6 N ammonium hydroxide. The near colorless precipitate was refrigerated for three hours and was then collected and washed with water. Dried in vacuo over potassium hydroxide it weighed 8.56 g., M.P. 215-217 C. (softening at 200 C.).. This was dissolved in 225 ml. of hot 50% ethanol, treated with activated- .charcoal and 'filtered by gravity with 2X15-ml. hot solvent mixture rinses, allowed to crystallize .at room temperature and then placed in arefrigerator overnight. The nearly colorless crystals were .collected and washed with cold 50% ethanol. Dried in vacuo .over potassium hydroxide, the nearly colorless 4,5,6 trichlorobenzirnidazole Weighed 6.95;g., M.P. 226-228" :C. I

In a similar manner other'halogen atoms can be substrtuted for l,2,3-t1ichloro-4,5-diaminobenzene as the start- .ing material in the above procedure... For example,

.dibromo-4-chlorobenzimidazole, 4,6-dich1or-o 5 bromobenzimidazole, 4,5,6-triodobenzimidazole, or 5,6-dich1oroi iodobenzirnidazole. I i 1-chI0r0mercuri-4,5,6(5,6,7) trichlorobenzim'idazole H 'HgCl .111

Five and fifty-three hundredths grams "(0.025 mole) of 4,5,6-trichlorobenzimidazole was dissolved in.250 ml. of

hot 50% ethanol. To this mixture was added 25 ml. of 1 N sodium hydroxide. A hot solution of 6.8 g. (0.025 mole) of mercuric chloride in 50 ml. of 50% ethanol was added with stirring. A gelatinous precipitate formed immediately. The mixture was stirred and heated on the steam bath until the precipitate became grainy. It was collected on a funnel and washed with water. The cake was pressed as dry as possible on the funnel. The 1- chloromercuri-4,5 ,6- (5 ,6 ,7 -trichlorob enzimidazole dried V, in vacuo over potassium hydroxide weighed 10.89 g.

In a similar manner other halogenated benzimidazoles can be substitutedfor 4,5,G trichlorobenzimidazole in the above procedure. For'example 4,5 ,6-tribromobenzimidazole, 4,5-dichloro-6-bromobenzimidazo1e, 4,5-dibromo 6-chlorobenzimidazole, 4,-6 dichloro-5-bromobenzimidazole, 4,5,6-tri iodobenzimidazole and 4.,5-dichloro-6-iodobenzimidazole may be reacted with a mercuric halide-t form the corresponding .1 halomercuri-4,5,6-(5,6,7)- .tribromobenzimidazole, 1 -'halomercuri 4,5 -.dic'hloro-6- bromo-(6;7-diehloro 5-bromo)benzimidazole, l-ha'lornercurl-4,5 dibromo-6-chloro-(6,7-dibromo-5-chloro) -benzi- .midazole, 1 halomercuri 4,6-dichloro-$t romo($,7-dichloro bromo rbenzimidazole, l-ha'lomercuri-4,5,6- (5,6;7')-tri-iodobenzimidazole or l-hailomercuri-4j5-dichloro-6-iodc-(6,7-dichloro-5-iodo) -benzimidazole.

Mercuric bromide may be substituted for-.mercuric chloride topform .the 1-bromomercuri-4,5,6-(5,6,7)strihalobenzimidazole in the above reaction.

Preparation of 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-1rich l0r0-1-('triacetyl-D- ribofuranosyl);benzimidaz0le I HgCl 1-chloro-2,3,5-triacetyl-D-ribofuranose "was prepared by suspending 9.55 grams (0.03 mole) of tetraacetyl-D- ribofuranose, M.P. 8485 C. in about 300 ml. of dry ether (dried over sodium) and saturated at 0 C. with anhydrous hydrogen chloride. The solution'was protected from moisture and stored in the cold room for three days. The solution was then evaporated in vacuo under anhydrous conditions at about 35 C. The syrup was reconcentrated three times adding about 90 ml. of dry benzene each time. This was done to remove residual hydrogen chloride. The 1-chloro 2,3,S-triacetyl-D-ribofuranose thus obtained was dissolved in about 40 ml. of

7 dry xylene and used at once in the following reaction.

Thirteen and sixty-eight hundredths grams (0.03 mole) of 1-chloromercuri=4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trichlorobenzimidazole was suspended in v1200 ml. of dry xylene in a 2-liter, 3- neckedflask fitted with a stirrer, a condenser and a droppping funnel. About 100 ml. of xylene was distilled to remove any moisture. The 1-chloro-2,3,5-triacetyl D-- ribofuranose in about 40 ml. of dry xylene was added to the hot suspension in a steady stream. The mixture was um sulfate and concentrated under reduced pressure to leave 7.0 g. of a lightly colored glass, crude 4,5,6-(5,6',7)-'

trichloro-1-(triacetyl-D-ribofuranosyl)-benzi1nidazo1e.

In a manner similarly described in the above reaction, 1-bromo-2,3,5-triacetyl-D-ribofuranose, 1-chloro-2,3,5-tripropionyl D ribofuranose, 1 chloro-Z,3,5-tributyryl D- ribofuranose, 1-bromo-2,3,S-tribenzoyLD-ribofuranose Iorj 1-chloro-2,3,S-tribenzoyl-D-ribofurandse may be substi} a esses tuted for 1-chloro-2,3,S-triacetyl-D-ribofuranose to .form

:4,5,6 (5,6,7) -,trihalo-l-(triacyl-D-ribofuranosyl)-benzimidazoles, such as 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-tribrorno 1-(triacety1-D- ribofuranosyl) -benzimidazole, 4,5 ,6- 5 ,6,7 -tribromo- 1- (tripropionyl-D-ribofuranosyl)-benzimidazole, 4,5,6-(5,6, 7)-trichloro-1(tributyryl-D-ribofuranosyl)-benzimidazole and 4,5,6 (5,6,7) tribromo-l-(tribenzoyl-D-ribofuranosyl)-benzimidazole.

.Other halogenated compounds may also be employed in place of the 1-chloromercuri-4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trichloro benzimidazlole. For example, compounds such as 4,5-dibromo-6-chloro-(6,7-dibromo-5-chloro) l-(triacyl- D-ribofuranosyl)-benzimidazole, 4,6-dichloro-5-bromo-(5,7-dichloro 6-bromo) -l-(triacyl- D-ribofurano syl) -b enzimidazole, 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-tri-iodo-1 (triacyl-D ribofuranosy1)-benzimidazole, and 4,5-dichloro-6-iodo-(6,7-dichloro-5-iodo) 1 (triacyl-D- rib ofuranosyl) -benzimidazole.

Preparation of 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trichloro-1-D- ribofuranosyl-benzimidazole -D 01 NH:

Methanol (250 ml.) was saturated with anhydrous ammonia'at 0 C. (about 70 g. required). To this solution was added 7.0 g. of 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trichloro-1-(tri acetyl-D-ribofuranosyl)-benzimidazole in 100 ml. of methanol. The solution was placed in the cold room for about 16 hours. It was then concentrated under reduced pressure giving an almost completely crystalline solid. This was dissolved in 110 ml. of hot 50% ethanol, treated with activated charcoal and filtered by gravity with two ml. solvent rinses. It was cooled to room temperature, seeded and allowed to crystallize at room temperature with frequent stirring and then refrigerated overnight. The crystals were collected and washed with a small quantity of cold 50% ethanol. After drying in vacuo Over potassium hydroxide the product weighed 2.25 g.,

M.P. 215-217 C. (softening at 210 C.). This product was dissolved in 70 ml. of hot 50% ethanol, treated with activated charcoal and filtered by gravity with two 2.5 ml. solvent rinses. It was allowed to crystallize at room temperature and then refrigerated. The colorless crystals were collected, washed with cold 50% ethanol and dried in vacuo over potassium hydroxide. The product, 4,5,6- (5,6,7)-trichloro-l-D-ribofuran osylbenzimidazole, weighed 1.82 g., M.P. 230-232 C.

An analytical sample was prepared as follows: One gram was dissolved in ml. of methanol and filtered by gravity with a 10 ml. methanol rinse. Then 850 ml. of isopropyl ether (dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate) was added. Precipitation was very slow at room temperature, but increased somewhat when the solution was seeded and scratched. After overnight refrigeration, the colorless precipitate was collected and washed with methanol-isopropyl ether mixture (1:10 by volume) and then with petroleum ether (B.P. 30-60"). Dried in vacuo over potassium hydroxide, the 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trichloro-1-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole weighed 0.51 g., M.P. 216218 C. The sample was dried two hours at 100 C. in vacuo over phosphorous pentoxide.

Analysis.Calculated for C H O N Cl C, 40.76; H, 3.14; N, 7.92. Found: C, 41.00; H, 3.39; N, 8.42.

A second run starting with 20.52 g. (0.045 mole) of 1-chloromercuri-4,5,6-trichlorobenzimidazole and 14.33 'g. (0.045 mole) of tetraacetyl-D-ribofuranose gave 14.1 g. of 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trichloro 1-(triacetyl-D-ribofuranosyl)'- benzimidazole. Deacetylation followed by two crystallizations from 50% ethanol gave 3..85 g., M.P. 230-231" C., of 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trichloro-l-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole Analysis-Calculated for C H O N Cl C, 40.76; H, 3.14; N, 7.92. Found: C, 40.79; H, 2.84; N, 8.19.

In like manner other 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trihalo-1-(triacyl- D-ribofuranosyl)-benzimidazole compounds may be bydrolyzed. For example 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-tribromo-1-(triacyl D-n'bofuranosyD-benzimidazole,

4,5-dichloro-6-bromo-(6,7-dichloro 5-bromo)-1-(triacyl- D-ribofuranosyl -b enzimidazole,

4,5-dibromo-6-chloro-(6,7-dibromo 5-chloro)-1-(triacyl- D-ribofuranosyl) -b enzimidazole,

4,6-dichloro-5-bromo (5,7-dichloro-6-bromo)-l-(triacyl- D-ribofuranosyl) -b enzimidazole,

4,5,6-(5,6,7)-tri-iodo-1-(triacyl D-ribofuranosyl) benzimidazole or 4,5-dichloro-6-iodo-(6,7-dichloro-5-iodo) 1- (triacyl-D- ribofuranosyl) -benzimidazole may be hydrolyzed to form 4,5 -dichloro-6-i0do- 6,7-dichloro-5-iodo -1 -D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole.

Preparation of 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trichlor0-1 -D-rib0furan0sylbenzimidazole hydrochloride 4,5,6 (5,6,7) trichloro 1 D ribofuranosylbenzimidazole hydrochloride may be prepared by dissolving 4,5,6 (5,6,7) trichloro 1 D ribofuranosylbenzimidazole in dry ethanol, saturating the solution with dry hydrogen chloride and adding ether to precipitate 4,5,6- (5,6,7)-trichloro 1-D-ribofi1ranosylbenzimidazole hydro chloride.

sesame A mixture of 7 g. of crude 1,2,3-tribromo-4,5-diaminobenzene, 75 ml. of formic acid, 50 ml. ofhydro'chloric acid and 100 ml. of water was refluxed for five hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with water, heated to boiling and activated charcoal was added. 'After filtering and cooling, the solution was made alkaline iwith ammonium'hydroxide, whereupon a precipitate formed. 'The precipitate was collected, washed with water and dried. The precipitate was recrystallized from "3"liters of benzone to yield 19 g. of 4,5,6-tribromobenzimidazoie which had a melting point of231-234" C.

Analysis.-Calc1ilated for C H N Br C, 23.69; H, 0.85; N, 7.90. Found: C,23.62; H, 0.81; N, 8.15.

Preparation of 1-chl0r0mercari-4,5,6-(5,6,7)-tribromobenzimidazole To a solution of 14.2 g. of 4,5,6atribromobenzimidazole in 165 ml. of 50% ethanol was added 44 ml.'of 1 N sodium hydroxide. While the solution was heated and stirred, a mixture of 10.9 g. of mercuric chloride in 130 ml. of hot ethanol was added. The gelatinous precipitate became grainy after about one hour of heating and stirring. The l-chloromercuri-4,5,6- 5,6,7 -tribromohenzimidazole was collected, washed with water and dried.

Preparation of 4,5 ,6-(5,6 ,7)-fltibromo-1-(triacetyl-D-rib0- faranosyl) -benzimidazole 1 chloro-2,3,5-triacetyl D-1ibofuranose was prepared 'by dissolving 9.87 g. of tetraacetyl-D-ribofuranose-which had been ground and dried over phosphoric anhydride, in

200 of dry ether. The solution was saturated'with anhydrous hydrogen chloride at C. and stored at 4 C. for 4 days. The solution was concentrated under reduced pressure to a sirup. Three portions of dry benzene were added and evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue of l-chloro-2,3,5-triacetyl-D-ribofuranose was dissolved in dry xylene and used immediately in the following reaction.

Nineteen grams of 1-chl0romercuri-4,5,6-(5,6,7')-tribromobenzimidazole was suspended in 1100 ml. of dry xylene, and 100 ml. of the xylene was distilled to remove any water. The 1-chloro-2,3,5-triacetyl-D-ribofuranos in xylene was added and the mixture was stirred and refluxed for four hours. The mixture was cooled and 3 liters of petroleum ether was added. The precipitate was collected and washed with petroleum ether. The precipitate was extracted with four 100 m1. portions of hot chloroform. The chloroform extracts were combined and Washed with two 150 ml. portions of 30% potassium iodide, then'twice with water. The chloroform layer, after drying over anhydrous magnesium sulfate was concentrated under reduced pressure. Most of the residue 4,5,6 (5,6,7) tribromo 1 (triacetyl D ribo'furanos'yD-henzimidazole crystallized from solution.

Preparation of 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-tribr0mo-1-D-rib'ofuranosylbenzimidazole The 4,5,6 (5,6,7) tri-bromo 1 (triacetyl D ribofuranosyD-henzimidazolke thus obtained was dissolved in 800 ml. of methanol. The solution was saturated with ammonia at 0 C. and maintained at 4 C. for about sixteen hours. The methanol solution was concentrated under reduced pressure. The crystals that formed were collected and recrystallized from hot methanol to form 3.6 g. of 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-tribromo-l-D-ribofuranOsylbenzimidazole having a melting point of 230-235 C.

[a] 57 (C 1.1, pyridine) Analysis-Calculated for C H N 0 'Br ;C, 29.59; H, 2.28; N, 5.75. Found: c, 30.10; H, 2.67; N, 5.97.

EXAMPLE 3 Preparation of 1-br0m0-2,6-dichlora ti nitrobenzen Thirty-one g. (0.15 mole) .of 2,6-dichloro-4-nitroaniline was practically all dissolved in 200 ml. of sulfuric acid (sp. gr. 1.84). The solution was stirred and cooled in an ice-salt bath to about 0 C. A solution of 10 grams of sodium nitrite in 100 ml. of sulfuric acid (sp. gr. 84) was added over a period of about 5minutes. While the solution was stirred and maintained at 0 C. to 5 C., 200 ml, of 85% phosphoricacid wasadded over aperiod of 45 minutes. The stirring was continued at about 5 C. for'another 1.5 hours. I a

Cuprous bromide, prepared from 63- g. of 'cupricsul fate, 28.5 g. of sodium bromide and 16 g. of sodium sulfite was. dissolved in 200 ml. of hydrohrom-ic acid (sp. gr. 1.49). This solution was stirred vigorously while the diazonium solution was added under the surface as rapidly as the foaming due to the evolution of nitrogen would permit. The dark mixture which resulted was heated on a steam bath for 40 minutes. After cooling, it was poured over ice. The yellow solid l-bromo-2,6-d-ichloro-4-nitrobenzene separated and was collected and washed'with water.

The yellow solid was dissolved in hot benzene, "the solution was dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate, filtered and concentrated to dryness. The residue was dissolved in hot ethanol. On cooling, light yellow crys- I 'tals separated. After recrystallization from ethanol the melting point of the 1-bromo-2,6-dichloro-4-nitrohenzene was 88-90 C.

Preparation of 1-br0m0-2,6-dichZora-4,5-dinitr0benzane 17.3 g. (0.064 mole) of 1-hromo-2,6-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene was dissolved in 75 ml. of fuming nitric acid and 75 ml. of sulfuric acid (sp. gr. 1.84). Two layers formed. The mixture was heated on a steam bath for two hours with frequent shaking. After cooling, the reaction mix ture was poured over ice. The yellow solid which formed was crystallized from 5 0% ethanol to yield 18.9 g. (94%) l-bromo-Z,6-dichloro-4,5-dinitrobenzene having a melting point of 126-430 C.

Preparation of 1-brom0-2,6 dichl0r0-4,5-diaminobenzene To a suspension of 18.9 g. (0.06 mole) of Mamma- 2,,6-dichloro-4,5-dinitrobenzene in ml; of ,hydrochloric acid (sp. gr. 1.19) was added 24 g. of mossy-tin in pieces as the mixture was heated on a -stea-m bath and frequently shaken. After the reaction was completed, water was added to the mixture to make about 1 liter and the mixture was boiled to dissolve the product. Activated charcoal was added to the reaction mixture the mixture was filtered. The filtrate was made strongly alkaline with :sodium hydroxide. The precipitate 1- hromo-2,.6-dichloro-4,S-diaminobenzene which formed was collected and dried. The solid material was extract.- ;ed With ether. The ether extract wasconcentrated to dryness to 'yield14.3 'g. (9.3%)of crude 1-*bromo-2,6-di- .Ohloro-4,S-diaminobenzene.

Preparation of 5(6) bromo 4,6-(5,7)-dich.lorobenzimidazole 'chlorobenzimidazol'e hydrochloride crystallized when the solution was cooled. The cooled mixture was made alkaline with ammonium hydroxide. The precipitate was collected, washed with water and dried. After two recrystallizations from benzene, 9 g. (61%) of 5(6);-

xylene was added to the hot suspension.

bromo-4,6-(5,7)-dichlorobenzimidazole, melting point 224226 C., was obtained.

Afialysin-Oalculated for C H BrCl N c, 31.61; H,

1.14. Found: C, 31.88; H, 1.18;

Preparation of l -chlormercuri-5 (6 -brom0-4,6- (5,7 -dichlorobenzimidazole Preparation of 6 -br0m0-4,6- 5 .7 -d ich lore-1 triacetyl-D-ribofuranosyl benzimidazole A suspension of 16.6 g. of 1-chloromercuri-5(6)-bromo- 4,6-(5,7)-dichlorobenzimidazole in 1100 ml. of dry xylene was prepared. About 100 ml. of xylene was distilled oif to remove any water in the mixture. 1 -chloro-2,3,5-tri acetyl-D-ribofuranose, prepared by suspending 9.87 g. of 1,2,3,5-tetraacetyl-D-ribofuranose in 50 ml. of dry The mixture was refluxed with stirring for 4 hours. After cooling, 3 liters of petroleum ether was added and the precipitate was collected .and washedwith petroleum ether. After drying, the precipitate was extracted with four 100 ml. portions of hot chloroform. The chloroform extracts were washed with two 150 m1. portions of 30% potassium iodide followed by two portions of water. After drying overanhydrous magnesium sulfate, the chloroform solution was concentrated to a yellow oil containing crude 5 (6)-bromo-4,6-( 5,7 -di ,chloro-1-(triacetyl-D-ribofuranosyl) -benzimidazole.

Preparation of 5 (6 -br0mo-4,6-(5 ,7 -dichlor0-1 -(fl-D- ribofuranosyl) -benzimidaz0le and 5 (6 -brom0-4,6-( 5 7) -dichl0r0-1-(oc-D-ribofuranosyl) -benzimidaz0le The crude 5(6)-bromo-4,6-(5,7)-dichloro-1-(triacetyl- D-ribofuranosyl)-benzimidazole in 120 ml. of methanol was added to 250 ml. of methanol which had been saturated with ammonia at 0 C. The solution was stored at 4 C. overnight. The resulting solution was concentrated to an oil which was dissolved in about 130 ml. of hot 50% ethanol. After cooling, 1.62 g. of crystals of 5(6)-bromo- 4,6-(5,7)-dichloro-l-(fi-D-ribofuranosyl) benzimidazole were collected and washed with 50% ethanol, melting point 203-217 C. The filtrate was concentrated until crystals began to form. This crop of crystals had a melting point of '17l-204 C.

The first crop was recrystallized several times from methanol to give 5(6)-bromo-4,6-(5,7)-dichloro-1-(B-D- .(C l, pyridine).

Analysis.Found: C, 36.78; H, 3.28; N 7.54.

Various changes and modifications may be made in carrying out the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Insofar as these changes .and modifications are within the purview'of the annexed claims, they are to be considered as-part of this invention. i

We claim:

1. 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trihalo-l (triacyl D ribofuranosyl)- benzimidazole.

2. 4,5 ,6- (5 ,6,7 -trichloro- 1- triacetyl-D-ribofuranosyl) benzimidazole.

3. 4,5 ,6-( 5,6,7 -tribromo- 1-( triacetyl-D-ribofuranosyl benzimidazole.

4. 5 (6)-bromo-4,6-(5,7) dichloro-l-(triacetyl-D-rib0- furanosyl)-benzimidazole.

5. 4,5 ,6-( 5,6,7) -trihalo-1-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole.

6. 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trihalo-1-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole phosphate ester.

7. 4,5,6-( 5,6,7 -trihalol-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole acid salts.

8. 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trichloro-1-D ribofuranosylbenzimidazole.

9. 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-tribromo-l-D ribofuranosylbenzimidazole.

l0. 5(6)-bromo-4,6-(5.7)-dichloro-1-(fl-D ribofuranosyl -benzimidazole.

11. 5(6)-bromo-4,6-(5,7)-dichloro-l-(a-D ribofuranosyl) -benzimidazole.

l2. 4,5,6 (5,6,7)-trichloro-l-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole phosphate ester.

l3. 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trichloro-1-D ribofuranosylbenzimidazole acid salts.

14. The process of producing a 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trihalo-1- D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole which comprises reacting l,2,3-trihalo-4,S-dinitrobenzene with a reducing agent to form 1,2,3-trihalo-4,5-diarninobenzene, reacting the latter compound with formic acid and a mineral acid to form 4,5,6-trihalobenzimidazole, reacting the latter compound with a mercuric halide to form a l-halomercuri- 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trihalobenzimidazole, reacting the latter compound with a 1-hal0-2,3,S-triacyl-D-ribofuranose to form a 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trihalo-1-(triacyl-D-ribofuranosyl)- benzimidazole, and hydrolyzing the latter compound to form a 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trihalo-l-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole.

15. The process of producing 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trichloro-l- D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole which comprises reacting 1,2,3-trichloro-4,S-dinitrobenzene with a reducing agent to form 1,2,3-trichloro-4,S-diaminobenzene, reacting the latter compound with formic acid and hydrochloric acid to form 4,5,6-trichlorobenzimidazole, reacting the latter compound with mercuric chloride to form l-chloromercuri-4,5,6-trichlorobenzimidazole, reacting the latter compound with 1-chloro-2,3,S-triacetyl-D-ribofuranose to form 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trichloro-l-(triacetyl-D-ribofuranosyl)benzimidazole, and hydrolyzing the latter compound to form 4,5,6- 5,6,7 -trichloro-1-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole.

16. The process of producing 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-tribromo-1- D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole which comprises reacting 1,2,3-tribromo-4,S-dinitrobenzene with a reducing agent to form 1,2,3-tribromo-4,5-diaminobenzene, reacting the latter compound with formic acid and hydrochloric acid to form 4,5,6-tribromobenzimidazole, reacting the latter compound with mercuric chloride to form l-chloromercuri-4,5,6-tribromobenzimidazole, reacting the latter com- .pound with 1-chloro-2,3,S-triacetyl-D-ribofuranose to form 4,5,6-(5,6,7)tribromo-l-(triacetyl D ribofuranosyl)-benzimidazole, and hydrolyzing the latter compound "to form 4,5,6 (5,6,7)-tribromo-1-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole.

17. The process which comprises reacting 2,6-dichloro- 4-nitroaniline with bromine to form 1-bromo-2,6-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene, reacting the latter compound with nitrous acid to form 1-bromo-2,6-dichloro-4,5-dinitrobenzene, reacting the latter compound with a reducing agent to form 1-bromo-2,6-dichloro-4,S-diaminobenzene, reacting the latter compound with formic acid and hydrochloric acid to form 5(6)-bromo-4,6-(5,7)-dichlorobenzimidazole, reacting the latter compound with mercuric chloride to form l-chloromercuri-5(6)-bromo- 4,6-(5,7)-dichlorobenzimidazole, reacting the latter compound with 1-chloro-2,3,S-triacetyl-D-ribofuranose to form 5 (6 -bromo-4,6-( 5,7 -dichloro- 1- (triacetyl-D-ribofuranosyl)-benzimidazole and hydrolyzing the latter compound to form 5(6)-bromo-4,6-(5,7)-dichloro-1-(,6- D-ribofuranosyl)-benzimidazole and 5(6 -brmo-4,6-(5, 7)-dichloro-1-(a-D-ribofuranosyl)-benzimidazole.

18. The process which comprises reacting a l-halomercuri-4,5,6-trihalobenzimidazole with a 1-ha1o-2,3,5- triacyl-D-ribofuranose to form a 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trihalo-1- (triacyl-D-rihofuranosyl) -benzimidazole.

19. The process which comprises reacting l-chloromercuri-4,5,6-trichlorobenzimidazo1e with 1-chloro-2,3,5- triacetyl-D-ribofuranose to form 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trichloro 1- triacetyl-D-ribofuranosyl) -b enzimidazole.

20. The process which comprises reacting l-chloromercuri-4,5,6-tribromobenzimidazole with 1-chloro-2,3,5- triacetyl-D-ribofuranose to form 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-tribromo- 1-(triacetyl-D-ribofuranosyl)-benzimidaz0le.

21. The process which comprises reacting l-chloromercuri (6) bromo 4,6 (5,7) dichlorobenzimidazole with 1-chloro-2,3,S-triacetyl-D-ribofuranose to form 5 (6)-bromo4,6-(5,7)-dichloro-1-(triacetyl-D-ribofuranosyD-benzimidazole.

22. The process which comprises hydrolyzing a 4,5,6- (5,6,7) trihalo 1 (triacyl D ribofuranosyl) benzimidazole to form a 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-triha1o-1-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole.

23. The process which comprises hydrolyzing 4,5,6- (5,6,7) trichloro 1 (triacetyl D ribofuranosyl) benzimidazole to form 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-trichloro-1-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole.

24. The process which comprises hydrolyzing 4,5,6- (5,6,7) tribromo 1 (triacetyl D ribofuranosyl) benzimidazole to form 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-tribromo-1-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole.

25. The process which comprises hydrolyzing 5(6)- bromo 4,6 (5,7) dichloro 1 (triacetyl D ribofuranosyD-benzimidazole to form 5(6)-bromo-4,6-(5,7)- dichloroI-(B-D-ribofuranosyl)-benzimidazole and 5(6)- bromo 4,6 (5,7) dichloro 1 (a D ribofuranosyD-benzimidazole.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,522,854 Brink et a1. Sept. 19, 1950 2,644,817 Holly et a1. July 7, 1953 2,662,883 Holly et a1 Dec. 15, 1953 2,663,712 Tulagin Dec. 22, 1953 2,719,843 Davoll et a1. Oct. 4, 1955 OTHER REFERENCES Weygand et al.: Z. Naturforsch, 6b, 1957, pp. 25-34. Beilstein: vol. XIII, original, page 28. 

1. 4,5,6-(5,6,7)-TRIHALO-1 - (TRIACYL - D - RIBOFURANOSYL)BENZIMIDAZOLE. 